The Board of Supervisors Tuesday reaffirmed its support for immigrant communities amid ongoing protests over federal immigration raids and the deployment of military forces to protect federal property.
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Tuesday marked the fifth consecutive day of local protests against federal actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the county, which included arrests at schools -- designated by the county as "sensitive places" where immigration enforcement is restricted.
Protests escalated after President Donald Trump authorized military forces to protect federal property, leading to vandalism, clashes with law enforcement, business disruptions and multiple arrests in parts of the county, including downtown Los Angeles.
Supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn introduced a motion during Tuesday's meeting to reaffirm the board's support for immigrant communities and back Gov. Gavin Newsom in his lawsuit opposing Trump's deployment of federal forces.
The motion directs the county Office of Immigrant Affairs to report back in 30 days with recommendations to fill any gaps in the Rapid Response Network, set up to respond to ICE raids and detentions.
Additionally, the agency was instructed to connect affected individuals with mental health care, public benefits and workforce support.
By approving the motion, the board authorized County Counsel to support the State of California's case opposing the federalization of the California National Guard.
"Our communities are resilient, but they should never have to endure militarized raids, fear and separation," said Solis. "Los Angeles County stands united in support of our immigrant families. We will fight back with action, compassion and the full weight of County resources."
Hahn noted protests in her supervisorial district, including one in the city of Paramount where Councilwoman Brenda Olmos was nearly struck by a rubber bullet. She said both Olmos and Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache, D- Lynwood, were targeted with tear gas while standing across from a federal office building in a Home Depot parking lot.
Hahn described the actions of federal agents as showy, saying, "I would describe it as flexing their muscles." She said the protests in Paramount began after residents believed an immigration raid was imminent.
Hahn expressed frustration that military support had shifted from helping with the January wildfires recovery to confronting communities.
"The governor never asked for this, Mayor Bass never asked for this, our sheriff's department never asked for this, so it just feels like we're at the epicenter of these targeted raids," Hahn said. "We don't condone violence, but these protests have been instigated and provoked by ICE agents."
Hahn also contrasted the current situation with previous deportation efforts: "Never did we see this kind of chaos and disruption in those deportations" under the Biden administration, she said.
The other supervisors joined in to support the motion with Supervisor Holly Mitchell calling the protests a "manufactured crisis."
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said, "I, along with the rest of the nation and clearly my colleagues, have watched in disbelief and horror as this President has chosen not only to attack and terrorize our most vulnerable neighbors, but also to use military against its own citizenry."
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